When we think of the history of spice we often start with the protection rackets, piracy, and massacres of the East India companies. But the world trade in spices is not something that begins with the European age of sail in the sixteenth century. It’s far more ancient. The search for spice has led to travel, exploration and cross-cultural influences for millennia. The Indonesian maritime spice routes helped define the extent and culture of Nusantara, or what we now call Indonesia. Focussing on nutmeg and clove, this program explores the history of these ingredients from 3,500 years ago to today, with interviews, poetry, natural sound and music of the Spice Islands.

Guests:

Ian Burnet

Kumoratih Kushardjanto

Barbara Santich

Danielle Clode

Reader:

Michael BaldwinDuration: 33min 25secBroadcast: Tue 27 Apr 2021, 11:05am

More Information

Presenter: Hetty McKinnon

Sound engineer: Tom Henry

Writer, producer: Mike Ladd

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/the-history-listen/the-kitchen-table-a-taste-of-the-past-ep-4-spice/13279896?fbclid=IwAR3OCnu28AFUpaNb17FfFkT1k0_tqGW4dHmFnk_BRudou4zR7bDcL3mKbIQ